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The results of investigations on the risk of Mycobacterium-tuberculosis infection from persons with active tuberculosis (TB) traveling on commercial aircraft were summarized. Six cases involving persons with active TB were investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between January 1993 and March 1995. All six were symptomatic and had acid fast smears positive for pulmonary TB. In two cases, the isolated M-tuberculosis strains were resistant to both isoniazide and rifampin. In none of the cases were the aircrews aware that the patients had TB. Documented transmission occurred from a flight attendant to other members of the flight crew and from a foreign born passenger to other passengers. Evidence of TB transmission to the passengers was inconclusive, but all positive responses occurred in passengers who were seated in the same section of the aircraft as the patient. Recommendations for notifying passengers and flight crews in this type of situation were presented.
MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 44(8):137-140, 1995. (6 references)
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